CCSO Names December “Do The Right Thing” Winners

Twelve Collier County students were recognized for good deeds at a “Do The Right Thing” awards ceremony Dec. 4.

The ceremony took place at the Lorenzo Walker Technical College in East Naples.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office adopted the "Do the Right Thing" program in January 1988, and has honored hundreds of children for acts that reinforce good behavior, positive acts and outstanding accomplishments in the community.

The following students were recognized:

Michael George Perez, kindergarten, Calusa Park Elementary School

In October a student tried to climb an eight-foot fence near the school but got stuck. While Michael’s teacher went to get help from the school’s deputy, she asked him to keep an eye on the student in her absence. He took this assignment very seriously and kept a persistent watch on this student until the deputy and school staff were able to help rescue the student from the fence.

Janely Lopez, fifth grade, Mike Davis Elementary School

One day during recess, Janely found a wallet containing credit cards and money. She did the right thing by giving it immediately to school staff so they could locate the rightful owner of the wallet.

During band camp in August, a student started to have a seizure. Victoria, Chris and Jade are all certified lifeguards and jumped into action to ensure the student didn’t harm himself during the seizure. They also instructed adult chaperones to contact 911 and gave immediate instructions as to what was needed to help stabilize the student.

Jaela O’Meara and Kimora Lyon, fifth grade, Estates Elementary School

At the beginning of the school year, Jaela and Kimora both noticed a kindergartener who was crying in the cafeteria. He was having hard time being in a new place. Jaela and Kimora took the time to comfort the student and ate breakfast with him until it was time to go class. The school counselor rewarded Jaela and Kimora for their kindness with “Panther Bucks” that could be spent at their school store. Instead of purchasing items for themselves, they decided to buy two heart-shaped rings to give to the boy and his mom. It was symbolic as the boy and his mom could each have a ring and think about each other throughout their days apart while he is at school.

Jeriah Wood, second grade, Lake Park Elementary School

One day Jeriah noticed that a classmate had brought a toy gun to school and was keeping it in their backpack. He knew for safety reasons he needed to say something and notified his teacher immediately.

Saniya Van Kust, fifth grade, Lely Elementary School

Saniya is known to take her job on Lely’s Safety Patrol very seriously and often arrives 10 minutes before fellow Safety Patrol members show up to school. One morning while helping in the car drop off line, there was a kindergartner who did not want to exit the car and go into the school. Once staff managed to get the crying boy out of the car, Saniya walked him to the cafeteria and was able to calm him down with her kindness. She now keeps an eye out for the car every morning to personally greet the student and walk him to the cafeteria.

Angel Perez, tenth grade, Naples High School

Angel observed a man that was in distress in a community pool and was able to pull him from the water and call 9-1-1. First responders then arrived and started CPR. A doctor later advised that the quick response of everyone involved helped to save the man’s life and he was expected to make a full recovery.

Woodley Auguste, fifth grade, Mike Davis Elementary School

One day in October during recess, Woodley saw another fifth grader playing with a pocket knife. Woodley immediately told the student to put the knife away. After the student refused, Woodley rushed over to a recess assistant and told them about the boy with the knife. As a result, the knife was safely recovered.

Jack Avila, first grade, Big Cypress Elementary School

On the morning of September 17, Jack’s grandfather had experienced a massive heart attack. Jack called 911 and stayed on the line while his mom administered CPR. Jack remained on the phone the entire time, telling dispatch what his mom was doing during the CPR until help arrived. Jack’s grandfather was transported to a hospital where he was expected to make a full recovery.